Allen Toussaint: Songbook

(Nominated for both 2013 Best Americana Album and Best American Roots Song Grammy Awards) Recorded over two nights in the fall of 2009 at the New York City nightspot Joe's Pub, this CD distills the career of a legendary New Orleans songwriter, musician, and producer into 12 classic tracks. It's a perfect introduction to his unique genius and scope for those who aren't acquainted with Allen Toussaint and a chance to bask in his many moods for those who are. Songs include "It's Raining," "Lipstick Traces," "All These Things," "Brickyard Blues," "Who's Gonna Help Brother Get Further," "With You In Mind," "Holy Cow," "Get Out My Life, Woman," "St. James Infirmary," "Soul Sister," "The Optimism Blues," "It's a New Orleans Thing," and "Southern Nights."

"[Allen] Toussaint was the main exponent of what the locals called the carnival sound—a raucous, polyrhythmic beat that was solid but complex, like a rhythm and blues rumba crossed with the second-line rhythms of Professor Longhair."—Music critic Ed Ward